Aquaman's Forgotten Costume Origin Makes It the Justice League's Coolest Outfit

Summary Aquaman's classic orange and green outfit has a forgotten origin, making it one of the coolest in the Justice League.

In 1989's Aquaman #1, Arthur's prison outfit reveals hidden aspects of his origin, adding unexpected layers.

DC Universe retcons have removed Aquaman's prison backstory, but it once gave him a unique depth his Justice League teammates lacked.

Aquaman’s classic orange and green duds are iconic, and their forgotten origin makes them one of the Justice League’s coolest outfits. The Sea King’s origins have been modified over the years, but his costume has largely stayed the same. 1989’s Aquaman #1 explores the hidden aspects of Arthur’s origin, including his costume. The revelations about it give it new and unexpected layers.

Aquaman #1 was written by Robert Loren Fleming from a plot by Keith Giffen and drawn by Curt Swan. Aquaman has returned to Atlantis, only to find it has been conquered by a mysterious force. Aquaman tries desperately to find answers, only to instead find himself captured. Awakening in a prison, Aquaman is shocked to see the other prisoners are wearing outfits similar to his.

Aquaman’s outfit, iconic to the end, is actually a prisoner’s outfit.

Aquaman's Costume Has Largely Remained the Same--But the Origin Has Changed Considerably

Aquaman Was Once a Prisoner of Atlantis

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Aquaman’s classic costume has been a part of the character since his first appearance in 1941’s More Fun Comics #73, with a few notable exceptions. After Crisis on Infinite Earths, Aquaman’s origin was overhauled. In 1989’s Legend of Aquaman one-shot, Arthur was revealed to have been an Atlantean outcast who grew up feral. Taken in by humans, he would later return to Atlantis, where he was promptly arrested. Aquaman's outfit while in prison was green and orange, and he kept it after escaping as a reminder of where he came from. Aquaman #1 picks up where it left off.

Aquaman's outfit while in prison was green and orange, and he kept it after escaping as a reminder of where he came from.

Unfortunately, this origin has been retconned out of the DC Universe. Just a few short years after the publication of The Legend of Aquaman and the follow-up miniseries, Peter David wrote Aquaman: Time and Tide. In this four-issue miniseries, Peter David gave Aquaman his definitive, post-Crisis on Infinite Earths origin. In the character’s new origin, he was never a prisoner of Atlantis. Since Time and Tide, DC has undergone additional continuity resets, such as Infinite Crisis and Flashpoint, which further tweaked Aquaman’s origins. His stint in prison never happened in future tellings of his origin.

Aquaman's Image Among Fans Has Changed--Just Like His Costume's Origins

Ironically, the Costume's Forgotten Origin Would Fit Well With This Image Change

This retcon is unfortunate, as it gives Aquaman a layer many of his Justice League teammates lack. For many years, Aquaman struggled with his image. Although he was a founding member of the Justice League, his powers were viewed by fans as worthless in many of the battles the Justice League found themselves in. Talking to fish and other sea life does not amount to much when fighting a foe like Amazo. Aquaman’s image has changed for the better in recent years as fans realize how powerful he is. His forgotten costume origin could have enhanced this even further.